Sulky



M. D. BLISS, JR

Dec. 10, 1968 SULKY Filed Dec. 21. 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEYS //d.z" fl. 5/253 (/2 y 2 Mi) 17 j a www Dec. 10, 1968 o. BLISS, JR

SULKY Filed Dec. 21, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 My? fl. 3/255; f?

ATTORNEYS M. D. BLISS, JR

Dec. 10, 1968 S ULKY 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 21. 1966 w 155:5151 H E.

www wflwm INVENTOR M! i W DWW ATTORNEYS Dec. 10, 1968 M. D. BLISS, JR 3,415,533

SULKY Filed Dec. 21, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INTOR ATTORNEYS United States Patent Office 3,415,533 Patented Dec. 10, 1968 3,415,533 SULKY Max D. Bliss, Jr., East Putney, Vt., assignor of one-half to Shirley A. Bliss, East Putney, Vt. Filed Dec. 21, 1966, Ser. No. 603,510 11 Claims. (Cl. 280--43) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A sulky includes spaced shafts each having an inwardly extending transverse portion. An outer arch means is supported by each shaft and includes a second inwardly extending transverse portion. An inner arch means has one end thereof secured to the shaft and the other end thereof secured to the outer arch means. A wheel is supported by wheel support means on the inner and outer arch means respectively. A third inwardly extending transverse portion is supported by an intermediate portion of the inner arch means. A cross framework is connected between the three inwardly extending portionsat each side of the sulky. Fender means is fixedly attached to the outer arch means to strengthen and rigidity the structure.

The present invention relates to a new and novel sulky, and more particularly to a horsedrawn racing sulky.

The present invention represents an improvement over the sulky shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,163,438 wherein is disclosed a sulky which is adjustable in width, height and length according to the size of the horse with which it is employed, and further which can be readily assembled and disassembled for shipping and storage in a compact space.

The present invention provides an arrangement wherein the sulky is also adjustable in width, height and length and is also readily assembled and disassembled; but at the same time the present invention provides an arrangement which is substantially more rigid than the sulky structure illustrated in the aforementioned patent thereby ensuring proper alignment of the sulfy wheels and lengthening the life expectancy of the structure.

The present invention also includes selectively operable means for adjusting the toe-in as well as the camber of the sulky wheels so that the sulky will track properly at all times. Each of the sulky wheels is individually adjustable for both toe-in and camber.

The present invention additionally provides fender means disposed outwardly of each of the sulky wheels. This fender means serves several useful functions. It will prevent horses hooves from entering between the spokes of the sulky wheels, will prevent puncturing tires and hooking wheels sulky to sulky, and will of course prevent dirt from flying outwardly beyond the fenders. Additionally, although the fenders are of very lightweight construction, they are rigidly secured to the sulky framework so as to strengthen and further rigidify the frame work due to the interconnection therewith.

The sulky can also be converted into a training cart by adding a cross brace at the point of the drivers stirrups, which will include a dashboard and stirrups. This conversion also contemplates adjustment of the shafts at the opposite sides of the sulky to extend forward from the usual position and lowering of the rear of the sulky as well as narrowing of the lateral opening between the shafts so that when used in training, the horse is forward of the dash so that the trainer can watch the gate, as distinguished from use when racing a horse at which time the horse is nearer the drivers seat.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel sulky which is adjustable both in width, length and height according to the size of the horse with which it is employed, and further wherein the structure is more rigid than similar prior art structures.

A further object of the invention is to provide a sulky which may be readily assembled and disassembled for storage and shipping in a compact space.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a sulky including selectively operable adjustments for each of the individual wheels of the sulk for both toe-in and camber.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a sulky including fender means at the opposite sides thereof which serve not only to protect the sulky wheels from horses hooves aswell as preventing dirt from flying outwardly thereof, but further prevents sulky wheels from locking sulky to sulky and which serves to rigidify and strengthen the sulky framework.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a sulky which is quite simple and inexpensive in construction, yet which at the same time is quite sturdy and reliable in use, and further which can be repaired by the use of replacement parts and interchange of parts sulky to sulky.

Other objects and many attendant advantages of the invention will become more apparent when considered in connection with the specification and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the sulky according to the present invention with certain parts shown exploded outwardly from other components of the structure for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 2 is a side view on an enlarged scale of a portion of the assembled sulky as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view through the outer end of a shaft and the associated forward portion illustrating the manner of interconnection therebetween;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 6-6 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an enlarged scale of spacer members employed for varying the width of the sulky;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a modified form of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of portions of the structure shown in FIG. 8 separated from one another; and

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of still another form of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, as seen most clearly in FIG. 1, the sulky includes a right-hand portion indicated generally by reference numeral 10 and a left-hand portion indicated generally by reference numeral 12, these two portions being rigidly interconnected by a cross framework hereinafter described. Since the portions 10 and 12 are mirror images of one another, only the right-hand portion 10 will be specifically described hereinafter. The similar parts of portion 12 being given the same reference numerals primed.

Portion 10 of the sulky apparatus includes a shaft 14 which is of tubular metallic construction. It should be understood that the various members of the sulky framework hereinafter described may each be of a tubular metallic construction, the metal preferably being aluminum so as to provide a lightweight structure. As seen particularly in FIG. 5, shaft 14 is open at the outer end thereof, and a forward portion 16 preferably formed of wood is provided having a reduced end portion 18 which fits snugly within the open end of shaft 14. The forward portion 16 is retained in operative position by a pair of threaded bolts 20 and 22 which are threaded through suitable tapped holes provided at spaced positions along a member 160 secured to shaft 14 as hereinafter more fully described. The bolts 20 and 22 fit within metal sleeves 21 and 23 provided in holes formed in the reduced end portion 18 and the forward portion 16. It is apparent that the bolts 20 and 22 threaded into position as illustrated will serve to rigidly interconnect the shaft 14 with the forward portion 16. The metal sleeves 21 and 23 are provided simply to prevent abrasion of the material of the forward portion, and accordingly these sleeves need not be threaded.

Various forward portions 16 of diiferent length may be interchanged with one another so as to vary the length of the sulky.

An annular garnish ring 24 is provided about the reduced portion 18 of forward portion 16, this ring including a radially inwardly extending flange 26 which fits snugly about portion 18. This annular garnish ring provides additional rigidity which helps keep the material of shaft 14 which is formed of aluminum or the like in round.

Shaft 14 as seen in FIG. 7 extends rearwardly from the forward portion 16 and curves inwardly to terminate in an inwardly extending transverse portion 30. A pair of annular garnish rings 32 and 34 similar to the ring 24 previously described are provided about shaft 14 for a purpose hereinafter described.

A rear-wardly extending outer arch means includes a portion secured at the upper end thereof as by Welding to the shaft 14 and depending therefrom, portion 40 then joining with an integral generally horizontally extending portion 42 which in turn joins with an upwardly extending portion 44 which finally terminates in an inwardly extending transverse portion 46. Garnish rings 48 and 50 are provided around portions 40 and 46 for a purpose hereinafter described.

An outer wheel support means comprises a plate 54 rigidly secured as by Welding to the portion 42 of the outer arch means and extending vertically upwardly therefrom. Plate 54 is provided with a plurality of spaced holes 56 therethrough for receiving the axle of a sulky wheel as hereinafter described.

A longitudinal brace member 60 extends between shaft 14 and the portion 44 of the outer arch means, member 60 being rigidly secured to the associated members at the opposite ends thereof as by welding or the like.

An inner arch means includes a member 62 having the upper end portion thereof rigidly secured as by welding to portion 44 of the outer arch means, member 62 extending downwardly and then curving forwardly and terminating in an open end portion which is closed by a suitable rubber plug or the like 64. The inner arch means also includes a member 66 having the upper end thereof rigidly affixed to shaft 14 and depending therefrom, the lower end of member 66 being rigidly secured to the forward end portion of member 62. An inner wheel support means comprises a plate 68 rigidly afiixed to members 62 and 66 and extending vertically upwardly and having a plurality of spaced holes 70 formed therethrough. Plates 68 and 54 are so positioned as to be in spaced parallel relationship with one another with the holes thereof aligned with one another for receiving the axle of a sulky wheel as hereinafter described.

Member 62 of the inner arch means includes an adjusting means indicated generally by reference numeral 72 for adjusting the toe-in of a sulky wheel associated therewith. As seen most clearly in FIG. 2, adjusting means 72 includes a pair of members 74 and 76 fixed within spaced portions of member 62, members 74 and 76 having threaded bores formed therethrough. A bolt memher 78 is provided with an integral hexagon collar 80 at the center part thereof, the portion of the bolt to the left of the collar as seen in FIG. 2 being a right-hand thread and the portion to the right of the collar as seen in FIG. 2 being a left-hand thread. It is apparent that by suitably turning the collar portion 80, the outer end of member 62 upon which the plate 68 is supported may be selectively moved toward the rear portion of member 62 or away therefrom depending on the direction of rotation of bolt 78. This serves to adjust the toe-in of the sulky Wheel associated therewith.

A further member 84 extends upwardly and rearwardly from member 66 and thence inwardly to provide an inwardly extending transverse portion 86 extending substantially parallel with the other two inwardly extending transverse portions 30 and 46 previously described. Member 84 includes an adjusting means 88 identical with the adjusting means 72 previously described. This adjusting means 88 is adapted to selectively lengthen or shorten this last-mentioned inwardly extending transverse portion so as to adjust the camber of a sulky Wheel associated therewith. Adjusting means 88 also aids in adjusting toe-in in conjunction with adjusting means 72, as well as serving to adjust structural tension of the assembled sulky.

As seen in FIG. 1, a plurality of cross bracing members 90 are connected between the inwardly extending transverse portions 30 and 46 to rigidify the structure. A similar plurality of cross bracing members 92 are provided between portions 30 and 86, while a still further plurality of similar cross bracing members 94 extend between portions 86 and 46, it being understood that these cross bracing members are rigidly secured as by welding at the 0pposite end portions thereof to the associated inwardly extending transverse portions.

A central cross framework is indicated generally by reference numeral and includes three parallel spaced tubular members 102, 104 and 106. Members 102 and 104 are rigidly interconnected by cross bracing members 108, while tubular members 102 and 106 are rigidly interconnected by cross bracing members 110, and tubular members 104 and 106 are rigidly interconnected by cross bracing members 112, these various cross bracing mernbers being rigidly secured at the opposite ends thereof as by welding to the associated tubular members.

Tubular members 102, 104 and 106 are interconnected with the inner ends of inwardly extending transverse portions 30, 46 and 86 respectively by means of adjustable rigid connections 114, 116 and 118.

The rigid interconnection 114 is illustrated in FIG. 6, and the spacer means employed therewith is illustrated specifically in FIG. 7. As seen particularly in FIG. 7, the spacer means 120 comprises a generally solid cylindrical body portion 122 having an enlarged annular portion 124 extending circumferentially around the medial portion thereof. A first pair of holes 126 extend diametrically through the body portion 122 at one side of portion 124, and a second pair of similar holes 128 extend through the body portion 122 at the opposite side of portion 124.

The spacer means 120 is illustrated in assembled 0perative position relative to the adjacent open end portions of the inwardly extending transverse portion 30 and the member 120 of the cross framework. As seen in this figure, the annular portion 124 of the spacer means is positioned between the facing ends of the two portions 30 and 102, while the opposite parts of the main body portion 122 on either side of portion 124 are snugly received within portions 30 and 102. First nut and bolt assemblies 130 extend through holes 126 of spacer means 120 and aligned holes provided in member 102. In a similar manner, nut and bolt assemblies 132 are provided, the bolts extending through the holes 128 of the spacer means and suitable aligned holes provided in portion 30.

Referring again to FIG. 7, a second spacer means is provided. This spacer means is similar to spacer means in that it is provided with a generally cylindrical body portion 142 having an enlarged peripherally extending annular portion 144 formed integrally at the medial portion thereof. First and second pairs of diametricallyextending holes 146 and 148 are provided on opposite sides of portion 144. The only difference between this spacer means and that previously described is the fact that the portion 144 has a considerably greater longitudinal dimension than the portion 124 of the spacer means 120. It is apparent that when the spacer means is inserted in operative position rather than the spacer means 120, the width of the over-all sulky will be increased. Ac cordingly, the width of the sulky can be determined by the size of the spacer means inserted between the inwardly extending transverse portions and the cross framework. Any number of different size spacer means may be provided as required.

A seat means indicated generally by reference numeral 150 may comprise a one-piece construction formed of molded fiberglass or the like having a suitable contour. The seat means is secured to the cross framework by a plurality of screws 152 extending down through suitable holes provided in the seat means and threaded within holes 154 provided in the tubular portions 102 and 104 of the cross framework.

A stirrup holder bar is suitably secured as by welding to the inner surface of shaft 14. A stirrup means indicated generally by reference numeral 164 is connected with the holder bar by means of screws 166 extending through suitable holes provided in the stirrup means and threaded into spaced tapped holes provided in the holder bar. These are the tapped holes into which the bolts 20 and 22 previously described are threaded.

A sulky wheel is indicated in FIG. 1 by phantom line 168, and the manner in which the sulky Wheel is supported by the wheel support means is illustrated most clearly in FIG. 3. The wheel includes spokes 170 rigidly connected at their inner ends with a wheel hub 172. The hub is mounted upon bearings 174 which in turn are supported about an axle 176 so that the wheel is free to rotate about such axle. The axle is provided with a longitudinal bore formed therethrough and is supported upon an elongated support bolt 178 having an enlarged head 180 at one end thereof and a nut 182 threaded on the opposite threaded end portion thereof for retaining the bolt in operative position.

The bolt is supported adjacent the opposite ends thereof within steel sleeve bushings 184 which are disposed within surrounding rubber bearing portions 186 which in turn are mounted within suitable holes provided in the wheel supporting plates 54 and 68. It will be noted that a pair of rubber bearing portions are associated with each supporting plate 54 and 68, the bearing portions being inserted through selected holes in opposite directions and disposed in substantially abutting relationship to one another. It is apparent that the height of the sulky may be adjusted by placing the supporting bolt 178 in various ones of the holes in the wheel support plates as .desired. The rubber bearing mountings 184 serve to provide a resilient mounting of the sulky Wheels which will absorb shock in collision, thus providing greater strength to the structure, quieter ride and less road resistance.

A cover member 190 of generally U-shaped cross sectional configuration is supported in the operative position illustrated in FIG. 3 by a pair of screws 192 which extend through suitable holes provided in the cover member and are threaded within correspondingly threaded holes provided in the outer wheel support plate 54. The purpose of this cover plate will be apparent from the following descriptive matter.

A fender means is adapted to be mounted on the outer arch means at either side of the sulky, and the fender means is preferably formed of a relatively flexible yet strong material such as fiberglass or the like. In order to prepare the sulky framework for the mounting of the fender and in order to ensure an effective attachment thereto, certain preliminary steps are taken before mounting the fender in place. As seen in FIG. 4, illustrating a portion of part 40 of the outer arch means, the outer surface of member 40 is first etched by acid as indicated by reference numeral 200, and a relatively thin layer of fiberglass indicated by reference numeral 202 is wrapped around member 40 and bonded thereto. This layer of wrap may extend all the way around the associated member or only around a portion thereof. As seen in FIG. 7, this thin layer of fiberglass wrap 202 extends downwardly along portion 40, thence along portion 42 and up along portion 44 of the outer arch means. The longitudinal brace member 60 is similarly provided with a layer of wrapped material, and a portion of wrapped material indicated by reference numeral 204 is also provided around shaft 14. The arrangement is such that all those portions of the sulky framework which are in contact with the fender means are provided with this thin layer of wrapped material to ensure an effective bond with the fender. It should also be understood that the fender may be attached to the sulky framework by a mechanical nut and bolt connection, if desired.

As seen most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fender is indicated generally by reference numeral 210, and as discussed previously may be formed of a suitable material such as fiberglass. The fender is a molded integral body of such a contour as to fit about various components of the sulky framework. The fender includes a longitudinally extending crease portion 212 to rigidify the surface thereof, and an access opening 214 is provided through the fender. This access opening is defined by a pair of inwardly extending surfaces indicated by reference numerals 216 and 2.18 in FIG. 2 which are adapted to abut opposite side edges of the wheel mounting plate 54, and are bonded thereto so as to assist in interconnecting and rigidifying the sulky structure.

The fender includes an arcuately shaped edge portion 220 adapted to fit about depending portion 40 of the outer arch means, the garnish ring 48 fitting down over the top edge of the arcuate edge portion 220, it being understood that the edge portion 220 is bonded to the wrap portion 202 disposed about portion 40 of the outer arch means.

Arcuate edge portion 220 joins with a curved edge 222 which fits around the portion 42 of the outer arch means and is bonded thereto. Lower edge portion 222 joins with an arcuate edge portion 224 which curves around the outer arch portion 44, an offset portion 226 being provided at the upper end of arcuate edge portion 224 and fitting about the upper end of portion 44 of the outer arch means and receiving the garnish ring 50 for providing a neat finished appearance therewith.

The fender includes an upper edge portion 228 which fits about the longitudinal brace member 60, edge portion 228 joining with an offset portion 230 which fits about the pre-wrap portion 204 on shaft 14 .and which receives the garnish ring 34. Offset portion 230 joins with a curved edge portion 232 fitting about pre-wrap portion 204, this edge portion 232 terminating in an offset portion 240 which receives the garnish ring 32. Offset portion 240 in turn joins with a downwardly sloping upper edge surface 242 which joins with the arcuate edge portion 220 previously described.

It will of course be understood that the fender is bonded to the various portions of the sulky framework having the pre-wrap layer disposed thereon, and the fender which in operative position as shown in FIG. 2 serves to interconnect these various frame members so as to strengthen and rigidify the over-all sulky construction.

The cover plate 190 serves to substantially fill the access opening 214 when in operative position so as to present a neat finished appearance and to protect the wheel support plate 54. The cover plate also provides a substantially flush surface on the outer portion of the fender so as to prevent the sulky from locking against other sulkies during a race. This cover plate can be removed when it is desired to adjust the height of the sulky.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, a modified form of the invention is illustrated. In this form of the sulky, the right and left-hand portions of the apparatus are of identical construction with that previously described, and the central cross framework is of modified construction. Inwardly extending transverse portions 250, 252 and 254 correspond to the inwardly extending transverse portions 30, 46 and 86 respectively of the structure previously described.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 9, a generally triangularly shaped plate 260 is rigidly secured to the inner ends of members 250, 252, and 254 as by welding or the like, plate 260 including a central lightening hole 262. The plate has six spaced holes 264 formed therethrough.

The cross framework indicated generally by reference numeral 268 includes three members 270, 272 and 274 which are adapted to be substantially aligned with the portions 250, 252 and 254 previously described. A plate 280 is rigidly secured as by welding to one end of each of members 270, 272 and 274. Plate 280 is of substantially the same size and configuration as plate 260 and is provided with a central lightening hole 282. Plate 280 has six spaced holes 284 formed therethrough which are adapted to be aligned with the holes 264 of plate 260 when the plates 260 and 280 are disposed in flush relationship with one another as illustrated in FIG. 8.

The plates are adapted to be rigidly secured to one another by means of nut and bolt assemblies indicated generally by reference numeral 286, and including bolts 288 and nuts 290 as illustrated in FIG. 9.

When it is desired to interconnect the central cross framework with the right-hand portion of the sulky as seen in FIG. 8, the two plates 280 and 260 are disposed in abutting relationship to one another, and the nut and bolt assemblies are mounted through the aligned holes in the two plates to rigidly interconnect these plates.

Suitable cross brace members 292 are rigidly secured between members 270, 272 and 274 as illustrated to pro- -vide a rigid cross framework. A plate 296 of identical construction to plate 280 is rigidly secured as by welding to the opposite ends of each of members 270, 272 and 274.

As seen in FIG. 8, members 300, 302 and 304 correspond to the inwardly extending transverse portions 30,

46' and 86' as seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings. A plate 306 is rigidly secured as by welding to the innermost ends of members 300, 302 and 304, plate 306 being of identical configuration and construction to the plates previously described. The holes in plate 306 are suitably aligned with the holes in plate 296, and nut and bolt assemblies 310 extend through these aligned holes for rigidly interconnecting the cross framework with the left-hand portion of the sulky.

A suitable seat structure 312 is supported by the members 270 and 272 of the cross framework, this seat structure being illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 8. If it is desired to change the width of the sulky with the construction as shown in FIG. 8, cross frameworks of different length may be employed, it only being necessary to remove the nut and bolt assemblies 286 and 310 for taking out one of the cross frameworks, whereupon a cross framework of a different length may be inserted and bolted in position if so desired.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a still further modified form of the invention is illustrated. The cross framework indicated generally by reference numeral 320 includes a plate 322 substantially identical with the plate 280 previously described. Plate 322 includes a central lightening hole 324 and six spaced holes 326 formed therethrough whereby this plate is adapted to be rigidly interconnected with a plate such as plate 260 previously described.

Three tubular members 328, 330 and 332 disposed substantially parallel with one another have one ends thereof rigidly secured to plate 322, cross brace members 334 being rigidly interconnected between members 328, 330 and 332 so as to provide a rigid framework.

A plate 340 corresponds to the plate 296 previously described and includes a central lightening hole 342 and six spaced holes 344 adapted to receive nut and bolt assemblies for connecting the plate to the plate 306 previously described.

Three tubular members 346, 348 and 350 extend substantially normally from plate 340 and have one end thereof rigidly secured thereto as by welding. Members 346, 348 and 350 are interconnected by cross brace members 352 rigidly secured thereto for providing a rigid framework.

Adjacent end portions of tubular member 328 and 346 are interconnected by a first adjusting means 360. In a similar manner, adjacent end portions of tubular members 330 and 348 are interconnected by adjusting means 362, and adjacent end portions of tubular members 332 and 350 are interconnected by adjusting means 364. These three adjusting means 360, 362 and 364 are of the substantially the same construction as the adjusting means 72 previously described, and accordingly no detailed description thereof is considered necessary. It is apparent that by suitably adjusting the adjusting means 360, 362 and 364, the actual length of the cross framework 320 may be selectively adjusted so that this single cross framework may be employed for providing any desired width sulky.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there is provided according to the present invention a new and novel sulky wherein the height as well as the width and length thereof may be selectively adjusted, and further wherein the overall sulky structure is more sturdy and rigid than those of comparable arrangements in the prior art. The two halves of the sulky and the cross framework may be readily assembled and disassembled so that the apparatus can be stored or shipped in a compact space. The sulky framework incorporates means for selectively adjusting the sulky wheels for both toe-in and camber. The fender means provided at opposite sides of the sulky protects the wheel from horses hooves as well as preventing punctured tires and locking wheels sulky to sulky. The fender means further prevents dirt from flying outwardly of the wheels, the fender being lightweight in construction and yet serving to rigidify and strengthen the attached framework. The apparatus is quite simple and inexpensive in construction, and yet at the same time is quite sturdy and reliable in use.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

I claim:

1. A sulky comprising spaced shafts each of which includes a first inwardly extending transverse portion, a rearwardly extending outer arch means supported by each of said shafts, each of said outer arch means including a second inwardly extending transverse portion and also supporting an outer wheel support means, each inner arch means having one end thereof rigidly secured to the associated shaft and the opposite end thereof rigidly secured to the associated outer arch means, inner wheel support means supported by each of said inner arch means and disposed in opposed facing relationship to the associated outer wheel support means to receive axle means extendin between said inner and outer wheel support means for carrying a wheel thereon, a third inwardly extending transverse portion supported by an intermediate portion of each of said inner arch means, a cross framework connected with and between the inwardly extending transverse portions associated with each of said shafts to provide a rigid sulky framework with the shafts extending at opposite sides thereof, and fender means supported outwardly of each of said outer arch means and adjacent thereto.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said fender means is formed of relatively rigid material and is fixedly attached to one of said outer arch means in spanning relationship to various portions thereof so as to strengthen and rigidity the sulky structure.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein each of said fender means is provided with an access Opening to gain access to the outer wheel support means, and means for normally closing said access opening.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including adjusting means operatively connected with each of said inner arch means for selectively adjusting the length of certain portions thereof so as to adjust the amount of toein of a sulky wheel supported by said wheel support means.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including adjusting means operatively connected with said third inwardly extending transverse portions, said adjusting means being adapted to adjust the length of said third inwardly extending transverse portions for adjusting the ca-mber of a sulky wheel supported by said wheel support means.

6. A sulky comprising spaced shafts each of which includes a first inwardly extending transverse portion, a rearwardly extending outer arch means supported by each of said shafts, each of said outer arch means including a second inwardly extending transverse portion and also supporting an outer wheel support means, an inner arch means supported by each of said shafts, inner wheel support means supported by each of said inner arch means and disposed in opposed facing relationship to the associated outer wheel support means to receive axle means extending between said inner and outer wheel support means for carrying a wheel thereon, a third inwardly extending transverse portion supported by said inner arch means, a cross framework connected with and between the inwardly extending transverse portions associated with each of said shafts to provide a rigid sulky framework with the shafts extending at opposite sides thereof, and fender means supported outwardly of each of said outer arch means and adjacent thereto, and including a longi- ,tudinally extending brace means connected between each of said shafts and a rear portion of the associated outer arch means, each of said inner arch means comprising a first depending member connected with said shaft means and a second depending member connected with the associated outer arch means, said first and second depending members of each inner arch means being connected with one another, and means for adjusting the toe-in and the camber of a sulky wheel operatively associated with said wheel support means.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for adjusting the toe-in of a sulky wheel comprises an adjusting means connected in each of said second depending members for adjusting the length thereof.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for adjusting the camber of a sulky wheel comprises adjusting means connected with each of said third inwardly extending transverse portions for adjusting the length thereof.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 including adjusting means operatively associated with said cross framework for selectively adjusting the width of the sulky.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said cross framework comprises a plurality of tubular members having cross bracing members connected therebetween to provide a rigid framework.

11. A sulky comprising spaced shafts each of which includes a first inwardly extending transverse portion, a rearwardly extending outer arch means suported by each of said shafts, each of said outer arch means including a second inwardly extending transverse portion and also supporting an outer wheel support means, an inner arch means supported by each of said shafts, inner wheel support means supported by each of said inner arch means and disposed in opposed facing relationship to the associated outer wheel support means to receive axle means extending between said inner and outer wheel support means for carrying a wheel thereon, a third inwardly extending transverse portion supported by said inner arch means, a cross framework connected with and between the inwardly extending transverse portions associated with each of said shafts to provide a rigid sulky framework with the shafts extending at opposite sides thereof, and fender means supported outwardly of each of said outer arch means and adjacent thereto, each of said inner arch means including a member depending from one of said shafts and another member depending from one of said outer arch means, said two last-mentioned depending members being connected with one another, each of said another depending members having an adjustable means connected therein for selectively adjusting the length thereof so as to adjust the toe-in of a wheel associated therewith, and each of said third inwardly extending transverse portions having adjusting means connected therein for adjusting the length thereof to selectively adjust the camber of a sulky wheel associated therewith.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 522,150 6/1894 Clarke 280-63 2,006,617 7/1935 Anderson 280-152.1 2,115,915 5/1938 McCain 280-9621 3,103,369 9/1963 Gaines et al. 280-63 3,163,438 12/1964 Bliss 280-43 BENJAMIN HERSH, Primary Examiner. JOEL E. SIEGEL, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 280-63 

